L’ASSASSINO (aka THE ASSASSIN)

“Structurally and aesthetically wedged between THE WRONG MAN, THE USUAL SUSPECTS and maybe even MEMENTO, L’ASSASSINO is a very interesting film to deconstruct and analyse.” -- Jakub Flasz, Letterboxd

Best known for THE 10TH VICTIM and the Oscar-winning INVESTIGATION OF A CITIZEN ABOVE SUSPICION, Elio Petri was one of the finest, yet most underrated post-war Italian directors. Unjustly neglected since its acclaimed original release, L’ASSASSINO is a remarkably assured debut.

A peer of Fellini’s LA DOLCE VITA and Antonioni’s LA NOTTE, L’ASSASSINO as well stars Marcello Mastroianni -- this time as a dandyish antiques dealer arrested on suspicion of murdering his older, far wealthier lover. As a Kafkaesque investigation proceeds, it becomes less and less important whether Marcello actually committed the crime as his entire lifestyle is effectively put on trial.